The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia presented the results of the implemented reform in the field of vocational education during the years of 2014-2016.
On the conclusive conference, new projects, existed tendencies, future priorities and the achieved progress during the last three years was discussed.
It is important to note, that the interest towards the vocational education is growing annually. During the last four years, 150 renewed programs have been presented, fully funded by the Georgian government. At least 42, 000 beneficiaries received tuition in vocational education.
Achieved results in last three years:
- Work-based learning is introduced, also known as dual education is piloted in the fields of agriculture and wine making;
- An ongoing process of educational reforms, and implementing modular educational programs;
- Entrepreneurship is of crucial importance in the modular educational programs.
- Based on the European experience and approaches, a recognition of non-formal education was established;
- Vocational education is accessible to the representatives of ethic minorities;
- 600 SEN students are engaged in the vocational education, thus adapting the learning environment to their needs, in conjunction with creating educational resources;
- More than 1000 condemned individuals participate in vocational education;
- 11 colleges are now equipped with the Entrepreneurial innovational laboratories – FABLAB
- Student accomodation facilities are being constructed/renovated
- In cooperation with the “Georgian Railway”, Railway college was established,
- Ilia Tsinamdzghvrishvili college is open now in Mtskheta, in conjucntion with developing the educational bases in Kazbegi and Tianeti;
- Mountain and Tourism school in Gudauri welcomed its first students;
- Agara public school underwent the authorization process for the vocational programs, and became the first public school who has the authority to run vocational programs with the general educational program simultaneously.
- In order to better suit the needs of the labor market, a grant competition was organized by the Millennium Challenge Account, who awarded colleges with a total budget of 12 million USD.
- The ministry crafted a new vocational educational bill, which reflects the rules and regulations in compliance with the EU Association Agreement, and the approaches from the Copenhagen process, which overall facilitates the EU integration of the country.
This is not a full list of topics, which the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia has been actively working thoughout the recent years, in partnership with local or international organizations and agencies.